Advance planning is critical. It helps to work backwards and consider the length of your program, when you plan to finish, when you plan to do your practicum, and how many MTELs are required for your license. Communication and Literacy Skills, required for all licenses, has two subtests: Reading and Writing. The subtests can be taken together in one 4-hour testing administration, or separately in two different 4-hour test administrations. Education coursework is not required to pass the C&L test. The test is offered daily in a computer-based format, beginning September 2012.

General Curriculum, required for the Elementary, Moderate and Severe Disabilities licenses also has two subtests: Math and Multi-Subject. The subtests can be taken together or separately. Talk with your Assistant Director for Academic Advising for help with scheduling MTELs. Also, if you have had testing accommodations in the past, or think you might need accommodations, you will require extra time and planning. Contact Lesley's Disabilities Services Office. Tests are offered daily throughout the year in a computer-based format, beginning September 2012.

When is the next MTEL test date?

Test dates are available at the MTEL Test page. Communication & Literacy Skills, Early Childhood, English, Foundations of Reading, General Curriculum, and History are offered only on computer. Computer-based testing is available year-round, by appointment, Monday through Saturday (excluding some holidays). Other tests are offered as paper-based tests 5 times per year. How do I register for the MTELs?

Register online at the MTEL Program website. For candidates who have previously registered for the MTEL, telephone registration service is available for paper-based tests at 413.256.2892 or 866.565.4894, M-F 9 am - 5 pm.

Where should I send my MTEL test scores?

Indicate that you want Lesley to receive your scores. Lesley University's Institution Code is 30. Your scores are automatically reported to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) by the testing company (Evaluation Systems, Pearson). You should apply for an Educator Licensure and Recruitment (ELAR) account at the ESE as soon as possible so your MTEL test scores can be housed there, along with other materials you submit for licensure.

I am concerned that I failed the MTEL. Should I sign up for the next test date before I find out my results?

You must wait 45 days after taking a computer-based test/subtest before retaking the same test/subtest. If you are concerned that you might have failed a paper-based test (but have not yet received your score report), you may wish to wait until you receive your test results to register for the next paper-based test date. Because some score report dates fall on or after the regular registration deadline for the next test date, there is a provision for waiving the late or emergency registration fee for candidates who plan to take the same test(s) on the next consecutive test date. Read the policy for testing on consecutive test dates (bottom of the page).

What MTEL tests are required for my license?

The Communication and Literacy MTEL is needed for all types of licenses (teachers, specialists, support personnel and administrators). In addition, Subject matter tests are required for all teaching and specialist teaching subject areas. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website contains the list of required MTEL exams for each licensure area and Lesley's MTEL Student Guide lists required MTELs for Lesley licensure programs.

I passed an educator test in another state. Do I still need to take the MTEL?

Yes, you must take and pass the MTEL. No other licensure test is considered comparable to the MTEL.

Are teachers required to take the MTEL test when they apply for certification in a new field?

The requirements for any license can be found at the Licensure-Help Online page of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website. In general, educators who hold an Initial license in any field are required to take the Subject Matter Test if they seek certification in a new field.

Although the Lesley Certification and
Educator License Office has attempted to ensure that the information
contained on the website is accurate and complete at the time of
posting, the contents are subject to change at any time.